Hello Everyone! Please use the link below to view the video I will be discussing about today. I decided to use my first post to outline a bit what some of the anxieties associated with the Canadian media, their coverage of the United States, and public opinion towards the United States as a whole. I think it would help to explain how there are some differences in the perceived role of media by the American and Canadian federal governments. This video was made by Canadian Youtuber and former political pundit, J.J. McCullough who is an openly gay conservative. J.J. is well educated and a talented researcher, allowing him to offer holistic perspectives on a wide range of topics from television shows, to flags and more.
In this video titled "Let's watch some CANADIAN PROPAGANDA!" J.J. attempts to break down the image of Canada being portrayed through the "Canada Nice" video released by the Canadian government, and the motivations of why they would they chose the imagery they did. He begins by outlining that the video is full of Canadian tropes, so especially discontent Americans can view Canada as an exotic escape. Canada has a long history anxiety towards the "Americanization" of their country, regardless of the fact that both countries are some of the most culturally and politically similar to each other.
I recommend watching the entire video, but the example I wanted to focus on today is the melting-pot metaphor for American culture, as opposed to the self described "mosaic" for Canadian culture. J.J. is correct in his assessment that the melting-pot conception to Americans is usually intending to describe a multitude of cultures that come together and combine their strengths for the betterment of the whole society. The Canadians tend to view the melting pot as smelter that encourages assimilation to one grand culture. They in turn refer to themselves to a mosaic with many colors and shapes present to represent different cultures and identities to make the bigger picture. This can also be seen as hypocritical with the important role the French-American empire, as many Adrian Canadians feel as though they deserve to be a protected minority over the others. These protections come in the form of trade, language and even political representation. As we know, America is full of many communities rich with foreign cultures and practices. So what is the cause of this passive villanization?
I think this constant cultural contrasting of the two countries from the Canadians will be a motif for this blog. Over the years I have found that Canadian patriotism is very rooted in anti-Americanism, originating from the American revolution and climaxing with the War of 1812. British loyalists who opposed the revolution moved North, and successfully held off an American invasion almost 35 years later. Canadian loyalty to the British Empire is preserved in relics and symbolism such as recognition of the King of England as the King of Canada, colonial flags flown today as provincial flags, and even a position in Parliament to represent the King called the Governor General. Ever since, Anglo customs have been overtly sentimentalized over the years and many middle class Canadians identify with these customs as apart of their culture in attempt to remain 'distinctly Canadian.' As a result, this culture and the anxieties towards the rowdy neighbors to the South remain to this very day.
This is not to say that Canadians believe Americans are inherently evil or that they wish to see us fail, because Canada is the benefactor of American trade, resources, military alliance, and so much more. In fact, if it weren't for the American Revolution anyway the English would have never been intimidated to give Canada their freedom. I hope to be able to point out those examples for everyone when I see them in my work.
Signing off,
Jake H.
Hi Jake, Your blog was enlightening. I watched the whole video. I honestly had never really thought much about Canada, no offense, and did not know about its anti-American feelings. I always thought of Canada and the U.S. as being something like siblings, with the U.S. being the rebellious one and Canada being the compliant one. Could this contribute to something of a sibling rivalry? I can see how Canada might be considered more conservative because of its closer ties with England, maintaining customs over many years, and accepting freedom from England. The U.S. on the other hand, fought for their freedom from England, cut ties, and handily went about creating a new country. I really like the contrast of the melting pot and mosaic metaphors. I actually prefer the mosaic metaphor because it allows for diversity that the U.S. claims to honor. Looking forward to reading more!
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